Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctorate in Medical & Health Professions Education is a research-based terminal degree that prepares individuals to pursue academic or research careers at the university level. This online program is designed for professionals who are passionate about teaching, research, and leadership in health professions education.

Program Details

• The program can be completed in 48 credit hours.
• It is designed to be completed in four years, with cohorts starting in the Fall semester.
• The program offers three concentrations: Higher Education, Contemporary Human Anatomy Education, and Simulation Education.
• Students explore topics such as the impact of AI and machine learning on anatomy curriculum development, longitudinal studies on burnout, belonging, and resilience in health professions education, and theory-driven evaluation of microlearning effectiveness in clinical settings.

Concentrations

• Higher Education: Prepare to lead and evaluate health professions education programs through research, curriculum design, and academic leadership.
• Contemporary Human Anatomy Education: Develop advanced skills in anatomy instruction, lab management, and modern teaching modalities for diverse academic settings.
• Simulation Education: Train to lead simulation-based education and manage simulation centers using instructional, assessment, and operational best practices.

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• One year of teaching experience in health professions or higher education (preferred).
• Additional requirements for International applications include a course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts, TOEFL scores (if applicable), and translated transcripts if not originally in English.

Tuition and Fees

• In-state Virginia Residents: $486 per credit hour.
• Out-of-State Students: $817 per credit hour.
• Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.

Career Paths

• Faculty or research director at medical and health sciences institutions.
• Academic program evaluator or curriculum specialist.
• Director of health professions education research.
• Principal investigator in medical education research.
• Consultant in educational assessment or faculty development.

Faculty

• Peggy E. Gesing, Ph.D.: Associate Professor/Program Director.
• Amanda K. Burbage, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor/Concentrations Director.
• Jeremy Amayo, Ph.D.: Adjunct Assistant Professor.
• Robert Armstrong: Assistant Professor.
• Brielle Ashley, Ph.D.: Adjunct Assistant Professor.

Online Learning Environment

• Access course materials online from any location.
• Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, allowing students to fit classes into their personal schedule.
• All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Related Programs

• EdD Medical & Health Professions Education.
• Graduate Certificate Medical & Health Professions Education - Scholarship.
• Graduate Certificate Medical & Health Professions Education - Simulation Program Management.
• Graduate Certificate Medical & Health Professions Education - Teaching.